Clarkson student's convicted killer granted parole, release expected in 2026
Brian McCarthy, who was sentenced to 23 years to life for the 1986 killing of Clarkson University student Katherine Hawelka, has been granted parole, with release expected before Feb. 24, 2027.
By Jessica Hale, ClickNNY North Country Desk
Brian McCarthy, sentenced to 23 years to life in prison for the 1986 killing of Clarkson University student Katherine “Katy” Hawelka, has been granted parole, according to the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. His release is expected before Feb. 24, 2027, with a state website listing Dec. 10, 2026, as a possible release date.
Hawelka, 19, was raped and beaten on the Clarkson University campus in August 1986 and died days later. McCarthy was sentenced in 1987. A public Facebook page maintained by Hawelka’s family said the family was devastated by the parole decision and noted that it had opposed his release during prior hearings.
Reported by ClickNNY and reviewed by an editor before publication.
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